The University of the Free State Kovsies will be targeting a first win on the road in Varsity Football when they come up against the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Kovsies are sitting strong on the table in third after four rounds and are on course for a playoffs berth, however, no slip-ups can be afforded.

UKZN, in turn, are at the bottom of the log following three defeats and a draw.

For the team from Bloemfontein, it will be their second straight match away from home after having travelled to Soweto last week where they played to a goalless draw against the defending champions, the University of Johannesburg. While the Blues weren’t able to claim an away win, they did managed to secure a valuable point.

In their only other away game to date, Kovsies lost 2-0 to the log-leading North-West University Eagles in Mafikeng.

With only two rounds remaining before the semi-finals after this week’s games, the competition has truly started approaching the business and thus is vital for the Blues to claim points in Durban.

The Kovsies midfielder, Bradwell Gouws, told Bloemfontein Courant that this week is one of their more crucial in the tournament.

“We have a refreshed mindset coming into this week, said Gouws.

“This is because we drew to UJ up there last week. The approach will be different this time around and we will be looking to secure the three points.

“Finding the net was a bit difficult last week against UJ, and I think that guys are more focused this week on scoring goals. It is the business end and it’s a very crucial game for us. We do have a plan in place and hopefully we’re able to execute it well.”

Thursday’s match between the UKZN Impi and the UFS Blues at the Howard College Rugby Stadium in Durban kicks off at 18:30. – MORGAN PIEK